WATERBURY CENTER — The Green Mountain Club has announced the start of “mud season” and has urged hikers to stay off muddy trails and trails at higher elevations that still have extensive snow or ice cover.

In a statement, the club said when hikers tramp on saturated soils, they cause irreversible erosion and damage to the trail and surrounding vegetation.

“Every step not taken on a wet hiking trail today helps assure a stable treadway tomorrow and reduce future costly tread repairs,” said Will Wiquist, executive director of the club in the statement. “Please help prevent soil erosion by staying off the trails during mud season.”

Hiking trails on land managed by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation and the Green Mountain Club are closed until Memorial Day. Hikers are also strongly discouraged by the club from using hiking trails in the Green Mountain National Forest.